He worked briefly for an uncle’s firm in New York before returning to Boston, where he started his own business.

Charles Strauss is remembered by his family for his superlative business and financial skills.

Along the Way

In the 1860s, Charles Straussmoved to Memphis, Tennessee. He worked for the largest dry goods firm in the area.

In 1870, Charles and Julia Strausssettled in Hingham, Massachusetts.

Tuscon

In 1880, the Strauss familymoved to Tucson, Arizonadue to Charles’ medical issues and the healthful climate of Arizona.

Upon his arrival, Charles Strauss became manager of Louis Zeckendorff & Company, a general merchandise firm.

Charles Strauss supervised the building of a new store in 1881, so that there were three locations.

He managed this firm from 1880-1883.

In the 1880s, CharlesStraussalso invested in the John D. Long mine in Arizona.

Civic

In 1868, Charles Straussbecame the secretary of a group in Memphis who opposed General Ulysses S. Grant’scandidacy for president.

This opposition was due to Grant’s 1862 Order #11, which expelled all Jews from his military district (Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi) under suspicion of illegal trading. He drafted resolutions that were published in Cincinnati.

During the 1870s, CharlesStraussbecame active in the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

He served as secretary of the Democratic Town Committee and secretary of the Democratic State Committee. He ran for Secretary of State in 1891, but was not elected.

In 1883, Charles Strauss became the first Jewish Mayor of Tucson, Arizona.

As Mayor, CharlesStrauss built the city hall, fire house and a city hospital.

He also started the first building and loan association.

He was instrumental in starting construction of the first public library in Arizona, the Carnegie Free Library of Tucson, which opened in 1901.

Charles Strauss resigned his position of Mayor in 1884.

In 1886, CharlesStraussaccompanied General George Crookto a council with Apache Chief Geronimo.

Charles Strauss was a regent of the University of Arizonafrom 1886-1889.

He was instrumental in founding the University in 1887.

From 1887-1890, Charles Straussserved as Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Arizona Territory.

In 1891, Charles Strausswas elected unanimously to the position of Chief Clerkof the Territorial Senateor “Council.”

Fraternal

In Tennessee, Charles Strauss was an active member of the Memphis Club. In 1866, in addition to his stage manager duties, he played Sir John Vesey in the club’s production of “Money” by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. In 1867, he performed in the farce “Herr Brummer.”

Charles and Julia Strauss were active in Hingham Society. Charles continued his acting, playing John Mildmay in “Still Waters Run Deep” in 1877.

Julia was a talented pianist who organized literary and musical programs.

Charles Strausswas a member of the Masonic Order in Hingham.

In Tucson, Charles Strauss became a 32nd degree Mason and helped found the Masonic Grand Lodge of Arizona.

He served terms as Grand Chaplainand Grand Lecturer.

Strauss was a member of Lodge No.4 F. & A.M. He was the Master of Santa Rita Lodge of Perfection, No.1, A. & A. S. R. of Tucson.